I had not heard of this film until recently airing my grievances about the inept and much-lauded 'Closer', but was recommended to it by a girlfriend who strangely described it as 'offensively unforgettable'. Structured similarly to its feeble counterpart, we follow two partner-swapping couples who confess their (in)fidelity explicitly and coldly. A recently married wife is gripped by jealousy when himbo husband sees an ex-girlfriend on TV, while couple number two exhume a submissive side of role-playing with only one willing participant.
The writer/director - known only as Noli - refuses to compromise on the emotional darkness, overloading each set-piece with ear-bleeding conversation that is shockingly provocative if at times a little pretentious. It is very easy to switch off and become immune to the onslaught, but you are drawn 'closer' to each character's world of deeply-rooted sexual anxiety and insecurity. And most compelling is the recognition of some these grotesque inner feelings.
Visually, it is a knockout. Narratively, it drags, but constantly surprises and intrigues. Artistically, it puts 'Closer' to shame with its darker version of a darker truth.
